Private

Chiricahua Course

Desert Mountain Golf Club

Scottsdale, AZ, USA
nickasta75
drewkpelletier9
cwieg
Thor87
RyanB14
+33
18 holesPar 727,347 yds75.2/151

About this course

Chiricahua is one of six Jack Nicklaus-designed courses at Desert Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. Opened in 1988, it was the second course built at this private community in the high Sonoran Desert, following the debut of Cochise. The course takes its name from the Chiricahua Apache people who once inhabited the region, continuing the club's tradition of honoring Native American heritage in its course nomenclature. The routing moves through dramatic desert terrain at elevations ranging from approximately 2,300 to 2,700 feet, offering expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the Phoenix metropolitan area below. Chiricahua plays through natural washes, arroyos, and stands of saguaro cacti, with fairways carved from the native landscape. The design emphasizes strategic positioning off the tee, as the desert carries both aesthetic appeal and penalty for errant shots. Elevated greens and significant elevation changes throughout the round add complexity to club selection and approach play. Desert Mountain operates as a private equity club with multiple championship courses, extensive practice facilities, and a membership drawn largely from seasonal residents and golf enthusiasts seeking access to Nicklaus's collection of desert designs. Chiricahua, along with its companion courses, provides members with variety in routing, challenge, and desert scenery. The course reflects Nicklaus's approach to desert golf during the late 1980s, balancing playability with the natural severity of the Sonoran landscape.

Rankings

Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.

933

Best in World

784

Best in USA

24

Best in AZ

Quick facts

Location
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Access
Private
Year built
1999
Holes
18
Par
72
Length
7,347 yards
Difficulty
75.2/151
Course Vaults score
8.1

Getting there

FAQ

Common questions about Chiricahua at Desert Mountain Golf Club

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Chiricahua at Desert Mountain Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 38 logged golfers.

Chiricahua was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Chiricahua at Desert Mountain Golf Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.

Par at Chiricahua is 72.

Chiricahua plays 7,347 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Chiricahua is 151.

250,000+
Course Reviews
+ 4.8
App Store

How many courses have you played?

Download Course Vaults on iOS and begin your golf legacy.

Course Vaults on three iPhones: player passport, map discovery, and course detail